This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

Note: The Photoshop tutorial is done in CS6 – therefore some screenshot may have slighting different layout as in the earlier version. Some brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

PSD File Download

You can download the PSD File for this tutorial via the VIP Members Area for only $6.95/Month (or less)! You will not only get this PSD File, but also 100+ other PSD Files + Extra Goodies + Exclusive Photoshop tutorials there. Signup now and get exclusive :) Find out more about the VIP Members Areas

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

Model – by faestock

Rock

Fire

Step 1

Create a new document sized 1290px * 720px with white background. Create a new layer and use the Gradient Fill tool to fill the new layer as shown below (set the Gradient Tool to “Radial Gradient” at its option bar):

Step 2

We will add the model onto our document. Load the model image into Photoshop and select the model:

Copy and paste the selection onto our document, resize and place it in the centre of the canvas:

Add the following image adjustment layers as clipping mask for this model layer:

Black and white

Levels

Layer mask on the above levels adjustment layer: (highlighted in red)

Curves

Gradient Map

Layer mask on the above Gradient Map adjustment layer:

and you will have the following effect so far:

Step 3

We will add some rock texture onto our image. Load the rock texture into Photoshop and select a piece of the rock with the Quick Selection tool, as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection onto our document, use the Free Transform tool distort and resize it. Then duplicate this layer once, and repeat this re-size process.

The goal is to form the texture into the following “Wing” shape:

Optional step: you can use a soft eraser to remove some parts of rock texture, to give it a bit more depth:

Merge those two rock layers together, then add the following image adjustment layer on top:

Black and White

Levels

Layer mask on this above levels adjustment layer:

Gradient Map

Layer mask on the above Gradient Map layer:

and here is the effect so far:

Step 4

We will further add some extra rock patterns to our image. Grad one more piece of rock texture from the stock image, and this time we will manipulate the texture so it forms a sharp angle as shown below, with the Free Transform Tool:

Apply the following Black and White adjustment to this layer:

Then duplicate this layer a few times – rotate, resize and attach them to the model as shown below:

Step 5

Noticed the lady is holding on crystal orb? We will add some fire to it. Load the fire stock image into Photoshop and select a piece as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection over to the orb, set the blending mode to “Pin Light”:

And here is the effect you will have:

Step 6

We’re almost done! For some final touchups, I added some particle effect around the model:

Use the soft brush to paint some shadow under the model:

Add a Gradient Map adjustment layer to add some color to the image, withe the following settings:

Layer mask on this Gradient Map layer:

and here is the effect so far:

I further adjusted the contrast slightly, and this is my final result: (click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful. Drop me a comment below if you have any question.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post Design “Lady Holding a Fire Orb” Photo Manipulation in Photoshop appeared first on PSD Vault.

Hope you enjoy those works as much as I did and find them inspirational! Meanwhile, if you have some cool designs and would like to be featured here on PSD Vault, you can simply join the PSD Vault Flickr group.

If you like those works, then show those awesome designers some support! Click on the image to visit the author’s flickr page and drop them a comment :)

Here goes the list, enjoy!

That’s it for this showcase! Hope you enjoy it and find them inspirational. Meanwhile, if you have some cool designs and would like to be featured here on PSD Vault, you can simply join the PSD Vault Flickr group.

The post Creativity Fine-Tuning: Best of PSD Vault Flickr Group – Vol. 79 appeared first on PSD Vault.

If you don’t have CS6 extended, you can just download this 3D render I have here and load it into your Photoshop.

This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

Note: The Photoshop tutorial is done in CS6 – therefore some screenshot may have slighting different layout as in the earlier version. Some brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

PSD File Download

You can download the PSD File for this tutorial via the VIP Members Area for only $6.95/Month (or less)! You will not only get this PSD File, but also 100+ other PSD Files + Extra Goodies + Exclusive Photoshop tutorials there. Signup now and get exclusive :) Find out more about the VIP Members Areas

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

Font

Grass

Texture over text

Step 1

Create a new document sized 1280px * 720px with white background. Use Gradient Fill to fill background with this effect as shown below:

Load the Grass image into Photoshop, select a rectangular portion as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection over to our document, use the unsharp mask to sharp the image a little bit. Make sure you adjust the size of the selection so it doesn’t appear to be too large for our document:

Go to Filter > Distort > Wave and apply the following settings:

Use the free transform tool to adjust the shape of the grass as shown below:

Step 2

We can now add the text in. Type some letters onto the canvas:

If you have CS6 extended, you can go to 3D > New 3D Extrusion from Selected Layer, and go through the following steps. If not, you can just download this 3D render I have here:

Apply the following 3D settings:

Scene

Environment

Mesh

3D Camera

Infinite Light 1

Infinite Light 2

and you will have the following effect so far:

Step 3

We will now add the texture over the text. Load the image into Photoshop and select a piece, copy and paste the selection over to our document, and set the newly copied layer as a clipping mask to the text layer, with the blending mode set to “Overlay”:

Add a layer mask to this texture layer, then use a soft eraser (set opacity and flow to around 40%) to apply the following mask:

and you will have the following effect:

Add the following 3 adjustment layers as clipping mask to this texture layer:

Black and White

Levels

Layer mask on this levels adjustment layer:

Curves

and here is the effect so far:

Step 4

We’re almost done! I used some abstract brushes to add some patterns and particles around the text:

And also use a soft white brush to paint some highlights around the text:

I also adjusted the colour balance slightly, and here is the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful. Drop me a comment below if you have any question.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post Create Unique 3D Grass and Stone Text Effect in Photoshop CS6 Extended appeared first on PSD Vault.

When you look at those digital artwork, pay attention to their colour scheme, creative ideas, and manipulation techniques used. Try and learn from the good works is the only way to make yourself better :)

Hope you enjoy those works as much as I did and find them inspirational! Meanwhile, if you have some cool designs and would like to be featured in this series, you can simply join the PSD Vault DeviantART group.

If you like those works, then show those awesome designers some support! Click on the image to visit the author’s DA page and drop them a comment :)

Here goes the list, enjoy!

That’s it for this showcase! Hope you enjoy those digital artworks from the PSDVault DeviantART group and find them inspirational!

If you have some cool designs and would like to be featured in this series, you can simply join the PSD Vault DeviantART group.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post Imagination Unleashed: Best of PSD Vault DeviantART Group – Vol. 47 appeared first on PSD Vault.

This tutorial is written exclusively for PSD Vault by Kris Shields, who is very talented Digital Artist/Graphic Designer from the United Kingdom .

If you’re a VIP member, you can log in to the VIP Members Area and click on Exclusive Tutorial button to download the tutorial. If you’re yet to become a VIP member, you can simply click on the banner below to signup:

To find out more about PSD Vault VIP Membership, check out this video below:

Final Image Preview

(Click to Enlarge)

What You Will Learn

In this tutorial, you will learn:

1. Advanced image adjustment techniques in Photoshop
2. Vavious photo retouch and abstract effect tricks in Photoshop
3. Advanced lighting effect rendering in Photoshop

About the Author

Kris Shields (Colour Drip) is a 23 Year Old Digital Artist/ Graphic Designer from the United Kingdom who aims to work with different styles and elements, blending reality with a range of colour and shinny goodness. He is currently working on a range of projects including digital illustrations, 3D renders, typography and collaborations with other young creative minds.

Kris on Behance

Tutorial Spotlights

Here are some sample screenshots in this tutorial:

Interested? Log in to your VIP members area to download it now :)

Not a member yet? Click on the banner below to sign up now:

Hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Thank you for your support and have a nice day!

The post VIP Exclusive Photoshop Tutorial – The Creation of “Overlord” Digital Art in Photoshop appeared first on PSD Vault.

Hope you enjoy those works as much as I did and find them inspirational! Meanwhile, if you have some cool designs and would like to be featured here on PSD Vault, you can simply join the PSD Vault Flickr group.

If you like those works, then show those awesome designers some support! Click on the image to visit the author’s flickr page and drop them a comment :)

Here goes the list, enjoy!

That’s it for this showcase! Hope you enjoy it and find them inspirational. Meanwhile, if you have some cool designs and would like to be featured here on PSD Vault, you can simply join the PSD Vault Flickr group.

The post Creativity Fine-Tuning: Best of PSD Vault Flickr Group – Vol. 78 appeared first on PSD Vault.

This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

Note: The Photoshop tutorial is done in CS6 – therefore some screenshot may have slighting different layout as in the earlier version. Some brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

PSD File Download

You can download the PSD File for this tutorial via the VIP Members Area for only $6.95/Month (or less)! You will not only get this PSD File, but also 100+ other PSD Files + Extra Goodies + Exclusive Photoshop tutorials there. Signup now and get exclusive :) Find out more about the VIP Members Areas

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

Metal Texture

Lightning Texture

Step 1

Create a new document size 1280px * 720px with black background. Load the Metal Texture into Photoshop and select a portion of it, copy and paste the selection over to our document, resize it to fit our canvas size:

Use the eraser tool to remove part of the image as shown below, we will later on fill these with our text:

Add the following adjustment layers on top of this background texture layer:

Black and White (set this layer’s opacity to 80%)

Levels

and you will have the following effect so far:

Step 2

We will now add the text onto the background texture. Let’s go back to the metal texture, use the quick selection tool to select a shape as shown below:

You can use the Refine Edge tool (Press Ctrl + Alt + R while selection is active) to adjust the selection if necessary:

Copy and paste the selection into our document, place it inside an erased portion of the background texture:

Repeat this process, copy and paste a few parts of the metal image onto our document, and to form the following letters:

Once you’re happy with the placement, merge all the text layers into one. Add a layer mask onto this merged layer, and use a soft eraser to fade the bottom part of the letters on the mask. This will add a bit of depth for the text:

Step 3

We will add a few adjustment layers as clipping masks to this text layer:

Black and White (set this layer opacity to 75%)

Levels

Curves

and here is the effect so far:

Step 4

We can now add the lighting texture over our text. Let’s select the merged text layer, and apply the following Refine Edge settings – this will add Feather to the selection:

Select the Rectangular Marquee tool, then drag and move the selection to the lightning texture:

Copy and paste the selection onto our image, and cover the metal:

Use a soft eraser to remove the following red parts of the lightning texture to add some variety and depth to the image:

Duplicate this lightning texture layer and set the duplicated layer’s blending mode to “Color Dodge”:

By setting it to color dodge, this will add some shining effect to the lightning:

Repeat the above process, add more lightning texture to the letters as shown below:

Step 5

We’re almost done :) To spice up the effect, I add some light effect as shown below – you can have a look at this tutorial for the creation of this effect:

We can also apply the following Reduce Noise filter to sharpen the lightning effect as shown below, after we flatten the image:

As you can see, the lightning looks more crisp after the filter application:

I added some colours with a number of adjustment layers (color balance and selective color) – I will leave this for you to experiment:

and this is my final effect: (click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful. Drop me a comment below if you have any question.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post Create Electrified Metal Text Effect in Photoshop appeared first on PSD Vault.

This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

Note: The Photoshop tutorial is done in CS6 – therefore some screenshot may have slighting different layout as in the earlier version. Some brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

PSD File Download

You can download the PSD File for this tutorial via the VIP Members Area for only $6.95/Month (or less)! You will not only get this PSD File, but also 100+ other PSD Files + Extra Goodies + Exclusive Photoshop tutorials there. Signup now and get exclusive :) Find out more about the VIP Members Areas

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

Eagle (Registration required)

Rock (Stone)

Step 1

Create a new document sized 1000px * 1000px with black background. Use a light grey brush to paint a spot light in the centre:

Load the stone image into Photoshop, select a piece from it as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection over to our document, set the new layer’s opacity to 60%, and use a soft eraser to fade the following areas as shown below:

De-saturate this layer, then add the following 2 adjustment layers on top:

Levels

Curves

and here is the effect so far:

Step 2

Now load the eagle image into Photoshop and cut the eagle out:

Paste it onto our document, and use a soft eraser to fade the following parts for the eagle:

Sharpen the eagle layer by applying the following Unsharp Mask filter twice:

Add the following adjustment layers as clipping mask to this eagle layer:

Black and White

Levels

Curves

and here is the effect so far:

Step 3

We will now add the stone texture onto the eagle. Firstly load the selection of the eagle layout:

Drag the selection over to the stone image, and select a piece as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection over and cover the eagle as shown below:

Set the layer blending mode to “Hard Light” for this new stone layer, and mask out the following area:

Then, duplicate this stone layer and move them to different part of the canvas, as shown below:

and here is the effect so far:

Step 4

We want to add some flying stone pieces around the eagle to add some dynamics into the image. So select a small piece from the stone texture as shown below:

Copy and paste the selection over, and resize it as shown below:

Apply the following image adjustments:

Black and White

Levels

Apply a slight motion blur to the stone as shown below:

Duplicate this layer a couple of times, and move them to different positions as shown below:

Step 5

We will add some final touches to the image to spice up the effect a little! We will use the brush tool to make this happen.

Firstly use a solid brush to draw a dot as shown below:

Use the liquify filter to warp this dot as shown below:

This will form some liquid effect as shown below:

Use a soft brush to paint a dot on a new layer, then warp it as shown below:

This will form some lighting effect as shown below:

I finally added some colour and cloud effect around the eagle, and this is the final effect I have: (click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful. Drop me a comment below if you have any question.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post The Creation of “Stone Eagle” Photo Manipulation in Photoshop appeared first on PSD Vault.

These artworks do not have a specific theme or concept, however the techniques that the artists are extremely high level and the creativity expressed in those artworks is just amazing – Although the idea may look simple on the surface.

Here goes the list, enjoy! (You can click on the art to view its original source)

That’s it for this showcase! If you want to learn how to create abstract artwork in Photoshop, go and check out the abstract section on PSD Vault.

Till next time, have a wonderful day!

The post 30 Examples of Highly Creative Abstract Digital Art appeared first on PSD Vault.

This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky, but why not have a try!

Note: The Photoshop tutorial is done in CS6 – therefore some screenshot may have slighting different layout as in the earlier version. Some brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

PSD File Download

You can download the PSD File for this tutorial via the VIP Members Area for only $6.95/Month (or less)! You will not only get this PSD File, but also 100+ other PSD Files + Extra Goodies + Exclusive Photoshop tutorials there. Signup now and get exclusive :) Find out more about the VIP Members Areas

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

Grunge Brush (Pick one set from the list)

Splatter Brush (Pick one set from the list)

Step 1

Create a new document with 1200px * 600px with a light grey background. Use a soft white brush to paint a spot light in the centre:

Create a new layer and use the grunge brush you download, paint some texture over the light, and scele it download to form a support ground:

Step 2

Use any font you like, type some texts over the document:

Right-click and convert this layer to a “Smart Object”:

Skew the text layer as shown below:

And here is the effect so far:

Step 3

Use the grunge brush you downloaded as an eraser:

Apply the following opacity and flow settings to this eraser:

Add a layer mask to the text layer, apply some grunge eraser effect over it:

Go over the text, and this is the desired effect you should be aiming to achieve:

Step 4

Now we can add the hair lines onto the image. Grab the Pen Tool and draw a path as show below:

Use the following brush to stroke this path, make sure you tick the “Simulate Brush” setting when stroking:

After the stroke, duplicate this layer several times and group each line layer together, use the free transform tool to distort, scale them until they form the following hair-like effect:

Continue to add more lines to the text:

Use the splatter brush you downloaded, add some splash effect to the text:

Step 5

We want to spice up the text a little more – so grab a 3px 60% hardness brush as shown below:

Paint some random lines around the text, as shown below:

We can also add some particle effects around the canvas with a particle brush:

and here is the effect so far:

Step 6

OK we’re almost done! For some final touches, I simply flattened the image and duplicated the background layer, then applied the “Patchwork” filter as shown below to the duplicated layer:

And this is the effect you will have:

We want to mask out the majority of this layer, just leave the lower half of the text visible, as shown below:

Then add some colours to the image with the following adjustment layers:

Selective Color

Layer mask on the selective colour layer:

Curves

And this is the final effect I have: (click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful. Drop me a comment below if you have any question.

Till next time, have a great day!

The post Design Abstract Text Effect with Pen Tool and Grunge Brush Decoration in Photoshop appeared first on PSD Vault.